The Worst Titles of This Year, According to Review Aggregator Metacritic
Across the internet, enthusiasts are eagerly sharing their rankings of the top releases of 2025. Yet, where are the flops, the underperformers? It's time to take a few moments to recognize the most panned games of the year, based on the aggregate scores from Metacritic. Could each of these games as disappointing as the reviews suggest? Let's find out.
10. Switch 2's Welcome Tour
Aggregate Score: 54/100, Audience Score: 3.4/10
The early response to this showcase title were heavily influenced by its $9.99 price tag, with many expressing disappointment it wasn't a complimentary title like competing console launches. Professional assessment was quite mixed, from harsh disappointment to more generous takes that highlighted the delightful software underneath the controversy. In spite of the controversy, the title proved to be a strong seller during its launch month.
9. Rennsport
Aggregate Score: 53/100, User Score: 3.2/10
Marketed as "not just a racing game," this simulation from studios in Germany and Poland received pretty unanimous reviews. The consensus was that the game fell short in key areas, particularly in a year filled with excellent racing games. For many, this disappointing sim was best left on the shelf.
8. Bubsy's Purrfect Collection
Aggregate Score: 53/100, User Score: 8.6/10
Before we start: the confusing punctuation is a minor point of contention. This anthology of 1990s-era mascot platformers showcases a rude feline known for incessant jokes. Critics observed that these games were mediocre to begin with and have not improved with age. The surprisingly strong user score is a baffling contrast to the critical reception.
7. Hunter x Hunter: Nen x Impact
Metascore: 53, User Score: 3.5
This *Hunter x Hunter* brawler was met with significant backlash from both critics and the dedicated community. It was lambasted for a thin fighter lineup and a minimal offering of gameplay modes. Fan reaction was especially negative, with some stating a desire that the title's poor performance would be a warning for similar releases.
6. Neptunia Riders Vs Dogoos
Metascore: 51, User Score: 5.3
Based on the niche Hyperdimension Neptunia series, this bike-riding title tasks players with gathering cute monsters. The assessment was that its goal to recreate a rolling-collection feel was unsuccessful, coming across as more of a low-effort product than a substantial addition to the franchise. Its 3-hour duration combined with a full retail cost raised eyebrows.
5. Captain Blood
Metascore: 50, Audience Score: 5.3
This title is a curious artifact from the past, finally released after a very long time in production delays. The developers opted to keep the game as an authentic experience of its time, fully aware that today's audiences might not appreciate its old-school mechanics. As such, many reviews concluded that the fascinating story of its journey was more compelling than the end product.
4. Scar-Lead
Aggregate Score: 44, Audience Score: 2.4
This anime-art third-person shooter modeled after games like *Returnal* fell flat with critics. Frequent criticisms were uninspired foes, samey environments, and a snoozy narrative. A much-criticized system involving the protagonist's clothing was universally disliked and detracted from the game's enjoyment.
3. Ambulance Life
Aggregate Score: 44, User Score: 4.9
Imagine the tense medical sims of the past, then take out the compelling story. That, according to reviews, is roughly *Ambulance Life*. Players found the core gameplay loop to be a slog, and the treatment of mental health topics was criticized as being insensitive. The overall experience was deemed largely unsatisfying.
2. Tamagotchi Plaza
Metascore: 43, Audience Score: 5.8
This departure from the classic virtual pet formula transforms the franchise into a minigame collection title. The result, per critics, was a unsatisfying series of basic activities that very soon overstayed its welcome. Some reviews went so far as to declare it one of the most disappointing titles available on its platform, noting a profound lack of engaging content.
1. MindsEye
Aggregate Score: 37, Audience Score: 2.5
Positioned as a major open-world action game from a studio led by experienced developers, *MindsEye* was a catastrophic critical flop. Reviews heavily criticized its weak action, boring plot, and a host of horrendous bugs. Critics found it to be a regression compared to much older games in the same genre. Despite the scathing reviews, a tiny number of optimistic players found fun in the experience, offering a distinct vote of confidence.
